Community Award Recognizes Nationally Respected Food Scientist

For Dr. Martha Verghese, success has never been measured by awards or titles. It has been measured by the students she has mentored, the discoveries she has helped advance and the communities she has served through education.

Over the past 26 plus years at Alabama A&M University, Verghese has built a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom and laboratory. She has mentored more than 115 graduate students, published more than 125 peer-reviewed research articles and helped prepare future scientists whose careers now span leading food and beverage companies, federal agencies and universities across the country.

Those decades of service and leadership were recently recognized when Verghese received the Making a Difference in the Community Award in Education from the Ivy Center of Huntsville/Madison County Foundation, Inc. during its annual White Linen Brunch. The award honors individuals whose leadership and commitment have created lasting, positive change in their communities.

“My first reaction was one of gratitude — to God, my family, my mentors, my colleagues, my students and the community that has entrusted me with the privilege of serving,” said Verghese. “I was deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. It is especially meaningful because it recognizes service beyond the classroom and reflects the impact of working alongside students, colleagues and community partners to improve lives through education and outreach.”

Verghese serves as professor and chair of the Department of Food and Animal Sciences and associate dean for student success in Alabama A&M's College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences. Internationally recognized for her contributions to food science, she is an Institute of Food Technologists Fellow, Food Systems Leadership Fellow, Certified Food Scientist and recipient of the prestigious IFT’s National William V. Cruess Excellence in Teaching Award.
Originally from India, Verghese earned bachelor's and master's degrees in food science and nutrition from Bombay University before completing a doctorate in food science at Alabama A&M University with an emphasis in nutritional biochemistry conducting colon cancer research. She joined the University in 1997 as a graduate research assistant and has since served in numerous academic and leadership roles, including post-doctoral research associate, assistant/associate professor, professor, department chair and associate dean for student success.

Her research focuses on nutritional biochemistry, functional foods and nutraceuticals, food toxicology, chronic disease prevention—particularly cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases—and functional food product development. She also led the establishment of Alabama A&M's Food Product Innovation Center, expanding opportunities for research, product development, entrepreneurship, small and minority-owned businesses, and industry collaboration.

While her research has earned national recognition, Verghese says her greatest accomplishment has been helping students realize their potential.

Since joining the Department of Food and Animal Sciences faculty in 2004, she has served as major professor or co-adviser for more than 117 graduate students, including 78 master’s and 40 doctoral graduates. Under her mentorship, students have earned more than 120 awards for research presentations and product development competitions at regional and national scientific meetings. Many now hold positions with organizations including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nestlé, Chobani, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and colleges and universities across the nation.

Her own scholarly record includes more than 120 peer-reviewed research publications, eight book chapters and numerous externally funded research projects that have advanced the understanding of nutrition, food science and disease prevention.

Beyond teaching and research, Verghese has worked to strengthen the student experience. She created the department’s Bulldog Buddy mentoring program, pairing graduate students and upperclassmen with younger students to promote academic success, leadership and retention. She has also helped expand opportunities for undergraduate research, experiential learning and professional development, preparing students for successful careers in science, industry and public service.

“What I enjoy most about teaching at Alabama A&M University is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students,” said Verghese. “Watching students’ progress from learning foundational concepts to presenting research, pursuing graduate education or entering successful careers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. I believe education is about transforming lives, and AAMU provides a unique environment where that transformation happens every day.”

Looking ahead, Verghese plans to expand collaborative research focused on nutrition and chronic disease prevention, heath disparities, strengthen partnerships with industry and government, and continue creating opportunities that prepare students to become scientists, educators and leaders.

“Receiving recognition for my work has reinvigorated me to think even more intentionally about the future,” she said. “I see this recognition not as a finish line, but as motivation to keep making a meaningful difference.”